County Executive Launches Buy Oakland Campaign with 'Oakland Business Connect' Online Business Directory

Release Date: 7/17/2014 11:00 AM

Contact: Steve Huber, Marketing & Communications Officer

Contact Phone: 248-858-1848

Page Content

​

Waterford, Michigan -- Oakland County businesses can become part of a free online registry to build their business locally while securing opportunities with some of Michigan’s largest companies.

Oakland Business Connect is available to any of the county’s 42,000 businesses, said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson.

“We want Oakland County companies to be the first choice for other Oakland County companies looking for goods or services,” Patterson said. “Growing businesses here means a stronger economy and more jobs.”

By signing up locally, businesses can have access to the full range of services offered through the Oakland County One Stop Shop Business Center, including one-on-one confidential business counseling, access to workshops and seminars, custom mapping and access to financial counseling and capital. Retail, commercial and service industries would all benefit from registering.

“The whole point is for Oakland County businesses to get access to other Oakland County businesses,” said Irene Spanos, the county’s director of economic development and community affairs. “With over 42,000 businesses in the county, that’s a lot of opportunity.”

Oakland County has partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and it’s Pure Michigan Business Connect directory. This connection can offer local businesses access to the state’s buying summits where global companies have agreed to use the data base to find new suppliers. BorgWarner, Chrysler, Consumers Energy, DTE, Ford Motor Co. and Michigan State University are among those who have pledged to use the database to find new suppliers.

“Research shows that every dollar we keep in our community creates $1.50 of economic impact – jobs and investment,” Patterson said. “It’s good for our businesses. It’s good for our residents and it’s good for our communities.”